In the early hours of October 19th, the world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris, France became the target of a risky jewelry heist that has stunned both authorities and civilians around the world. At about 9:30, four masked suspects entered through a balcony using a truck with an extendable ladder, commonly used for furniture delivery in Paris.
By the time police arrived, the thieves had disappeared, taking with them eight pieces of priceless jewelry, including French crown jewels. Officials estimate the total loss at over $100 million, making it one of the largest thefts in recent history.
As alarms rang out in the museum, the robbers quickly left and escaped on motorbikes. In their escape, they left behind some of the equipment used in the raid. The robbery was completed in seven minutes, sources and officials told Agence France-Presse.
Experts say the jewelry is too well known to be sold publicly and are likely to end up in private collections or underground jewel trades. The incident has restarted discussions about museum security in France. This comes after criminals broke into Paris’s Natural History Museum last month, stealing gold samples worth $700,000, and thieves stealing two dishes and a vase from a museum in Limoges that were estimated at $7.6m
The Louvre has since closed the east wing to strengthen security systems and evaluate any structural damage. Extra guards and electronic protections have been added throughout the building. Though the rest of the museum remains open, attendance has dropped severely since news of the theft broke.
Authorities continue to search for clues in what many are calling one of the most sophisticated museum robberies in decades. As the investigation unfolds, the world watches closely, hoping the missing jewelry will one day return to the Louvre.
